UM Experimental Fish Hatchery to develop technologies to raise tuna and Japanese flounder

MIAMI—The University of Miami (UM) Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science announced today a nearly $1.5 million collaborative research agreement with New York-based Aqquua LLC US to advance aquaculture technology for high-value marine fish such as tuna and hirame (Japanese flounder) at the UM Experimental Fish Hatchery.

The three-year agreement between Aqquua and the UM Rosenstiel School-based Aquaculture Program is aimed at improving hatchery and other aquaculture technologies of a number of economically valuable species that have never been developed elsewhere in the world.

“This research agreement will help advance sustainable aquaculture research at a time when it is critically needed to support increasing demand for high-quality protein to feed the world’s growing population,” said UM Rosenstiel School Professor Dan Benetti, director of the UM Aquaculture Program. “We are pleased by Aqquua’s commitment to advance aquaculture technology in a sustainable way.”

The research initiative will include upgrading existing facilities at the UM Experimental Fish Hatchery to conduct studies on reproductive physiology and the environmental, nutritional and energetic requirements necessary to optimize aquaculture technologies of selected species.

“The first step towards implementing viable land-based aquaculture operations is to identify and select species that can be successfully raised in recirculating aquaculture systems,” said Charlie Siebenberg, Founder and CEO of Aqquua US. “For this reason, we have teamed up with UM Aquaculture to identify and select high-value species that can be raised at high stocking densities in such systems.”

The UM Experimental Hatchery is located on Virginia Key in Biscayne Bay approximately one mile southeast of downtown Miami. The hatchery is a state-of-the-art facility with capabilities to hold broodstock and conduct research on larval rearing and nursery of several ecologically and economically important species. It supports an innovative academic and research program centered on advanced science and technology to ensure that seafood production through aquaculture is wholesome, environmentally sustainable, socially responsible and economically viable.

"This collaboration with industry to address such an important need for humanity in a sustainable manner, is an important model for the type of research that the School plans to conduct in the future. We are truly excited by this new initiative." said Roni Avissar, Dean of the UM Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science.

Over 90% of the seafood consumed in the U.S. is imported – and most of it is farmed. Americans are consuming more seafood than ever, and the upward trend continues as a consequence of the recognized and well-publicized health benefits of seafood consumption.

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About the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel SchoolThe University of Miami is one of the largest private research institutions in the southeastern United States. The University’s mission is to provide quality education, attract and retain outstanding students, support the faculty and their research, and build an endowment for University initiatives. Founded in the 1940’s, the Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science has grown into one of the world’s premier marine and atmospheric research institutions. Offering dynamic interdisciplinary academics, the Rosenstiel School is dedicated to helping communities to better understand the planet, participating in the establishment of environmental policies, and aiding in the improvement of society and quality of life. For more information, visit: www.rsmas.miami.edu.